CompletedNot Applicable

Brain Response to Treatment for Pediatric PTSD

United States68 participantsStarted 2013-04

Plain-language summary

This study will examine how brain activation changes as a result of behavioral treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents. The investigators will conduct functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans before and after the widely-used trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy to better understand how the brain recovers from illness. This study will provide much needed information about brain abnormalities in abused youth, and could lead to improvements in behavioral treatments for patients who do not respond to current treatments.

Who can participate

Age range

9 Years – 17 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * ages 12-17, history of physical or sexual abuse, witnessing violence, or bullying; and English speaking Exclusion Criteria: * receiving other psychotherapy currently, taking medications for a psychiatric disorder currently, history of head injury with loss of consciousness longer than 5 minutes; major medical condition such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or loss of hearing or vision, developmental disorder such as fragile X, autism, or Down's Syndrome, MRI contraindications including metal in the body from an injury or surgery, non-removeable piercings, or braces, Intelligence Quotient (IQ) \< 70; schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, current substance abuse.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

functional magnetic resonance imaging (brain activation)

Timeframe: change in brain activation after 4 months of treatment (baseline and 4 months)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01806701

SponsorStanford University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2016-05

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